Fall Long Table Brunch at the Agora & Apothecary at Tanglebank Estate
Today we were at Tanglebank Estates for their Fall Long Table Brunch. A one day only event, and a part of the annual Taste of Abby festival, celebrating harvest season every Fall.
On the property we got a sneak peak of their Halloween activations to come with giant skeletons, towers of pumpkins, and the making of “Terror at Tanglebank”.
This was a fun juxtaposition to their late summer gardens and trickling water feature.
Brunch was held indoors at their now permanently shuttered restaurant, Agora & Apothecary. In the future they intend on using this space for special events, such as today; and are already looking towards Christmas in the horizon.
But today we were celebrating farmers and small business owners with a three course menu, featuring locally sourced ingredients, many of which from this actual property.
The long table was set rustic like a country cottage with dried flowers, heirloom pumpkins, metal roosters, and fake eggs and garlic; all gathered with woven rope. It had a similar themed to many of the decor pieces that could be found in their neighbouring gift shop. Which today included spooky Halloween bits in light of the season.
The table was pre-set with chargers, cloth napkins, cutlery, and two cookies per person. These were Lavender Shortbread cookie with an earl grey glaze. The tea used was sourced locally from Mission and the lavender is from Tanglebank’s own backyard. More crumbly than buttery with a little sweetness from the glaze. It made for a great accompaniment to tea.
A pot of Tanglebank Tea between two to share, along with cream and sugar. This was a nice bridge as we waited for our morning cocktail to arrive.
This was an apple cider mimosa made with apple cider from Taves Cidery and a fresh stick of cinnamon. I would have liked some of the cinnamon grated over the cocktail, or torched for an extra spice, and to have it less like drinking juice.
Each course was given an introduction by their Executive Chef, explaining the concept, inspiration and all the local farmers and producers that went into its creation.
The first course was Coddled Eggs with Potato Purée served in a mason jar. Half the fun was unscrewing the lid and churning the layers with slices of toasted herbed Baguette. The yolk melted into the creamy Yukon gold potato purée, lightly seasoned with volcanic salt. Heavy and filling as is, but even more so with the addition of the crunchy focaccia topped with chives from their garden. This was so simple, yet so delightful. A sign of the rest of the courses to come, and proof that quality ingredients make all the difference.
Like our first course the second was a generous amount of food. Half a whole Acorn Squash stuffed with Apples, Fennel, and Davis Meats Chorizo. This was quintessential autumn full of roasted flavours and spiced pepper. The squash was baked so tender that you could easily cut into the skin and eat it with your fork. It served as a nice starchy base for the sweet apple and cranberry, caramelized fennel, and zesty chorizo. And for crunch each edible squash bowl was finished with toasted pumpkin seeds, fried sage, and a cinnamon-spiced yogurt drizzle. I was so impressed that I want to try this for myself, at home.
At this point we were full and started packing leftovers, but had one more course to go. Dessert was a Chai Poached Pear from the Tanglebank orchard out back. Perfectly poached and infused with warming chai spices, served atop smooth Maple Mascarpone, and finished with a sprinkle of crushed Toasted Hazelnuts for texture and depth. The fruit practical melted under the pressure of the fork. A lighter and leaner end to an already healthy meal. We walked away full, but not feeling bogged down.
Each time I come out to Abbotsford to dine I never leave hungry or disappointed. Everything was so clean and simple, and the ingredients were so fresh that it doesn’t need or take much to highlight it. I was utterly impressed and cannot wait to re-visit to see how Tanglebank celebrates Christmas for the first time this year. If you missed this feast this year, but sure to look out for them next year.
Tanglebank Estate
29985 Downes Rd, Abbotsford, BC V4X 128
tanglebank.com
